Thursday 29th May – Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord

Reflection: Ephesians 1: 17-23

THE GIFT OF UNDERSTANDING

The word understanding is a common word which everyone is well acquainted with. Unfortunately, we often use it only in relation to academic excellence. Today, we are being told that there is such thing as “the eye of your understanding”. (Ephesians 1:18). Beloved, there is a kind of understanding that is purely spiritual and is from God. This divine understanding commands confidence and boldness in the life of anyone who possesses it.

The Psalmist says today, “Sing ye praises with understanding” (Psalm 47: 7b). This means that there may be times when we as Christians may just be singing songs or reciting prayers without any form of spiritual significance attached to it because understanding is lacking. Little wonder that on the mountain of the ascension, the disciples asked Jesus a funny question: “Lord, will you at this time give the kingdom back to Israel” (Acts 1:6). All the while they had been with Jesus they lacked the basic understanding that Jesus had come to bring another kingdom on earth, which is the kingdom of God.

Beloved, the level of your spiritual understanding is not measured by the length of years you have been a Christian. No it is a gift that God gives. So if you are in need of this precious gift, humbly ask of the Father who will graciously give it to you, for as scripture says: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh from the down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning” (James 1:17).

Prayer: Father of mercy, giver of good gifts, today I pray earnestly for the gift understanding. Please grant me this in the name of Jesus Christ your Son. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 310: What are the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit?

The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are wisdom, understanding, counsel, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. With these, the Holy Spirit “endows” Christians, in other words, he grants them particular powers that go beyond their natural aptitudes and gives them the opportunity to become God’s special instruments in the world.

HIDE A TREASURE: “By wisdom is a house built and by understanding it is established.” Proverbs 24:3 RSV-CE

Readings for today: Acts 1:1-11; Psalm 47: 2-3, 6-9; Ephesians 1:17-23; Matthew 28:16-20